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Shaquille O’Neal Claims What He’d Do To Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Restrepo | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 12:14 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been enjoying a remarkable 2024-2025 NBA season, emerging as a dominant force in the Western Conference and clinching the North Division title.

With a league-best record and standout performances from stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder were on the verge of making NBA history.

Heading into their latest matchup, the Thunder were in position to become just the third team in NBA history to win 70 games in a regular season.

Unfortunately, a tough loss ended that pursuit. They’ll now finish just shy of the milestone—a feat only achieved by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10) and the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (73-9).

Despite falling short, OKC’s dominance has made them a clear championship contender heading into the postseason.

Shaquille O’Neal’s take on facing Holmgren and Wembanyama

Amid the Thunder’s strong season, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has stirred controversy with some bold remarks about the team’s big young man, Chet Holmgren.

On his podcast, The Big Podcast with Shaq, O’Neal didn’t hold back when discussing Holmgren and fellow 7-footer Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs.

“I would’ve made both of them quit,” Shaq said, drawing reactions across social media.

"I would back his (expletive) and elbow right into his (expletive) mouth. You know what they will do all night? Shoot the three, and if you miss, I would run the post right away."

Shaq says he’d make both Chet and Wemby “quit”

(via @bigpodwithshaq, h/t @ClutchPoints)pic.twitter.com/lJTMe4iPFl
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 6, 2025

While the comments may come off as harsh, they reflect Shaq’s old-school mindset about earning praise over time, not headlines.

For the Thunder, Holmgren has been a key contributor on both ends of the floor.

As they prepare for what could be a deep playoff run, they’ll lean on their depth, coaching, and the growth of young stars—no matter what the legends have to say.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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